Marine Spatial Planning: The Algoa Bay Project

Description

The Problem

In this project based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, we used System Dynamics (SD) to understand the declining health of Algoa Bay. The aim was to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability as part of Operation Phakisa. SD gave a clearer picture of the bay’s ecosystem, helping to make informed decisions for its preservation and future development².

The Challenge

The main challenge was building a decision support tool that could handle inputs from various stakeholders, helping them make informed decisions that balanced environmental and economic needs. This tool also needed to be visually engaging for the final stakeholder workshop³.

The Approach

We interviewed a diverse range of stakeholders, from harbor masters to tribal chiefs, gathering insights that enriched our model and provided a comprehensive view of Algoa Bay². The project culminated in a 4-hour interactive System Dynamics workshop. Experts from different sectors came together to shape the future of the Bay. The project also contributed to capacity building within the Institute of Coastal and Marine Research. This was done by mentoring a PhD candidate in System Dynamics².

Results

The project was designed as a case study for the One Ocean Hub, led by the University of Strathclyde¹. It aligned well with the Hub’s goals of integrating decision-making, sustainability, and economic growth. The decision support tool connected various stakeholders and facilitated discussions. This made it easier to address the economic-environmental balance for Algoa Bay.

Thoughts

This project highlighted the strength of System Dynamics in bringing different voices together to solve complex environmental problems. The collaborative approach gave us a rich, well-rounded model, and the visual tool helped make decision-making more inclusive. Mentoring the PhD student was a very rewarding experience that strengthened local research capabilities.

Role(s)

• Led the Algoa Bay Collaborative Dynamic Modelling Process.

• Provided System Dynamics mentorship to a PhD student.

Cliënt:

One Ocean Hub, Nelson Mandela University

Project duration:

8 months

Publications and links

Financing through the Global Challenges Research Fund ^¹

Vermeulen-Miltz, E., Clifford-Holmes, J. K., Scharler, U. M., & Lombard, A. T. (2023). A system dynamics model to support marine spatial planning in Algoa Bay, South Africa. Environmental Modelling & Software, 160, 105601 ^²

Link to the interface (credit: Estee Vermeulen) ^³

!Proud award for the PhD! :